An arson attack at a Fix Auto bodyshop has led the business to implement its disaster recovery plan.

The fire destroyed the 10,000sq ft building at Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, which was used by paint and panel technicians.

But franchisee Phil Whitaker, who also owns the Fix Auto bodyshops in Peterborough and Spalding, insists it is business as usual.

Thankfully a secondary building at Huntingdon which was used as a strip-and-fit centre was undamaged, so now Whitaker has bought a new lorry to transport prepared vehicles from there to his Peterborough site some 20 miles away for painting and refinishing.

A major IT investment 12 months ago which involved creating a centralised computer system to serve his three sites in Spalding, Peterborough and Huntingdon, ensured the safety of all vital data and no interruption to the site’s customer service facilities.

Whitaker said: “The building and all its contents were destroyed but I am fortunate to have a strong team around me and we have all set about making the most out of a terrible situation by ensuring that it is business as usual.

“All of my customers, insurers and staff have been incredibly supportive and I have received numerous emails and calls offering support from fellow Fix Auto franchisees. It’s a question of focussing now on ensuring productivity and rebuilding the Huntingdon bodyshop.”

• Read AM's recent feature on how to write an emergency action plan here.